RSZ said historically, the Rengmas have faced substantial neglect in terms of basic healthcare facilities and the absence of a fully functional hospital meant the residents often have to travel great distances to access necessary medical services, exacerbating health issues and leading to preventable complications
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) on Monday submitted a representation for the upgradation of the Community Health Centre (CHC), Tseminyu, to district hospital said that it is crucial for the health and well-being of the residents in the newly-established Tseminyu district.
In a representation addressed to the commissioner and secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, Kohima, issued jointly by RSZ president, Kegwayhun Tep, and general secretary, Hiyalo Jemu, mentioned five points of request to the concerned department which included:
- Upgradation to District Hospital: Since Tseminyu was declared the 13th district of Nagaland on December 18, 2021, it has been paramount to elevate the only CHC in Tseminyu to a District Hospital. This upgrade is essential for providing comprehensive and specialized healthcare services that the growing population requires.
- Provision of Facilities and Manpower: The CHC, Tseminyu is in urgent need to equip with necessary facilities and staffed with adequate manpower, including Medical Officers, Nurses, and Technical Experts. Presently, the CHC is severely understaffed, with only one Medical Officer on contract. An increase in the number of full-fledged Medical Officers and healthcare personnel is crucial to meet the healthcare demands of the district.
- Infrastructural Development: The current infrastructure of CHC Tseminyu is insufficient to support essential medical equipment and services. Immediate construction and enhancement of facilities are required to accommodate vital healthcare resources and ensure the provision of quality medical care.
- Geographic and Demographic Considerations: Tseminyu District, predominantly inhabited by the Rengma Nagas, spans 256 square kilometers and has a population of 63,269 according to the 2011 census. The healthcare infrastructure needs to be upgraded to cater to the daily needs of this community, which has long been deprived of adequate healthcare services.
- Addressing Emergency Situations: The NH-2 stretch from Botsa to Wokha district is a high-risk, accident-prone area. The lack of a well-equipped hospital in Tseminyu significantly hampers emergency response and the ability to save lives during accidents and critical situations.
An upgraded District Hospital is vital for effective emergency care and response.
Meanwhile, on deprivation of basic healthcare in the newly created district, RSZ said historically, the Rengmas have faced substantial neglect in terms of basic healthcare facilities and the absence of a fully functional hospital meant the residents often have to travel great distances to access necessary medical services, exacerbating health issues and leading to preventable complications.
It added that upgrading the CHC, Tseminyu, to a District Hospital would bring long-term health benefits to the residents including improvised maternal and child health services, advanced diagnostic facilities, specialized medical care, and overall better health outcomes for the community.
RSZ further mentioned that the health and family department, Nagaland, would consider its earnest request and take prompt action in order to upgrade the CHC, Tseminyu, to a District Hospital, thereby significantly enhancing healthcare services for the residents of the district.